In 2021, the Thames Valley District School Board hit the pause button on the School Resource Officer program board-wide.
Since then, there has been a review of the program but no indication the officers will return to schools.
That has prompted Dave Jenkins, chair of the Elgin Group Police Services Board to fire off a letter to Lori-Ann Pizzolato, TVDSB chair advocating for a return of the SRO program.
“We understand that the TVDSB paused the SRO program in fall 2021 following a survey that found some students had negative experiences. While we respect the decision to review the program and address these concerns, it is crucial to recognize that the presence of police officers in our schools serves a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff.
Jenkins pointed out, “The SRO program was initially designed not only to educate students about important topics such as alcohol and drugs but also to build positive relationships with our youth. This relationship-building aspect is critical in fostering trust between law enforcement and our students, as it helps students see police officers as approachable figures in the community who are there to support and protect them.”
“In light of the recent increase in school violence, including assaults, weapon possession, and drug-related incidents, our schools require a visible law enforcement presence. Police officers are trained to respond to emergency situations, and their immediate availability can be crucial in ensuring the safety of our school community.”
Written by: Ian McCallum
